Wakehurst suffer double setback

WAKEHURST boss Ian Gregg is determined that his side’s season won’t peter out - despite their hopes of finishing in the top four of Belfast Telegraph Championship Two having all but evaporated.
Wakehurst's Lee McCaughern turns away from a Ballymoney United opponent during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Mill Meadow. Picture: Damian McKee.Wakehurst's Lee McCaughern turns away from a Ballymoney United opponent during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Mill Meadow. Picture: Damian McKee.
Wakehurst's Lee McCaughern turns away from a Ballymoney United opponent during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Mill Meadow. Picture: Damian McKee.

The Ballymena side’s run of seven straight league wins came to a halt in midweek when they lost 4-2 to Lurgan Celtic - their main rivals for fourth spot - and there was a further setback on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Mill Meadow by Ballymoney United.

“It wasn’t a great week for us,” admitted Gregg.

“We lost to Lurgan Celtic having been ahead at one stage and then on Saturday, we failed to close the game out.

“We were 1-0 up, in total control and Ballymoney were down to 10 men but we managed to leak a goal right at the end. We were too casual in front of goal and we paid the price for that.

“But it’s been a hectic few weeks and I can’t be too critical of the players after the run they have been on because they always give me full commitment.

“We just have to make sure now that we don’t freewheel through to the end of the season - we’ve done that before but I want us to keep going and finish strongly,” added Gregg.

Against Lurgan Celtic in midweek, Wakehurst’s twin attack of Conor Gregg and Jason Paul were on target, but three second half goals condemned the Ballymena men to defeat.

Against Ballymoney, substitute Andy Laughlin fired Wakehurst ahead with a 30-yard thunderbolt which left keeper Brian Moore rooted to the spot.

That goal looked certain to win the points for Wakehurst, especially after Ballymoney were reduced to 10 men with 6 minutes left, Mark Dempsey shown the red card after an incident with Conor Gregg.

But almost on the final whistle, Larkin made one last attack on the left and his well placed cross was headed firmly past Maybin by Gerald Gillan.

Wakehurst face the toughest of tasks this Saturday when they travel to leaders Knockbreda but the Belfast side will be mindful that Wakehurst became only the second side to defeat them in the league a few weeks ago.

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